Kinnard is a professional youth counselor. Like so many others, she is upset about violence in today’s society. But she’s doing more than just talk about the problem.

“Yes, our police are doing what they can,” Kinnard said. “I just think it’s important that we put up our own united front as families and communities working together to help.”

Any steps — big, little, individual, group — taken to curb violence are better than doing nothing, Kinnard said. In that spirit, Children on the Mend Inc., the nonprofit she founded in 2000 and now directs, has planned an event to bring people together to confront violence and work toward solutions.

Children on the Mend and supporting companies are sponsoring the Citizens Walking Together Against Violence 5K Walk/Run on March 15. Participants will set out from the Cedar Hill Recreation Center, 310 E. Parkerville Road. Registration will begin at 8 a.m., and the walk/run — rain or shine — will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Local and state officials and agency leaders will attend to talk about how the public can be more vigilant and involved in the fight against violence.

Register at eventbrite.com by searching for Citizens Walking Together Against Violence 5K Walk/Run. Proceeds will go toward educational programs, school supplies, college tours and outreach. To inquire, call 469-693-8980.

Children on the Mend also needs about 30 more volunteers for its intervention program that mentors at-risk 10- to 21-year-olds from local schools, counsels them against violence and about how to live positively, and, if needed, refers them to partnering agencies for special services.

“Most of our kids come from troubled backgrounds,” Kinnard said. “My passion has been to help kids that need help and find other people who will help me do that.”

ABOUT TOWN: An eight-hour HIV testing marathon will be held in Dallas on Feb. 7 as part of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. People 17 and older, particularly blacks, are urged to get a free HIV test. Anyone who tests positive can receive immediate counseling and advice; people who test negative can receive information on how to keep themselves and loved ones safe. Testing will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the office of the nonprofit Abounding Prosperity, 2311 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Free refreshments will include hotdogs, snacks, coffee and beverages. To inquire, call 214-421-4800 or visit aboundingprosperity.org.